What is the Weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
Years and years ago, I wanted to be cool and be seen as a person who would do and eat anything. So one night before going out to the clubs and drinking, I ate a soup that had octopus in it. Now to be honest, I can't remember if it was actually good or not. Since that time, I've had grilled octopus and I enjoyed it. But that night, I swirled the octopi around in my mouth. Showing my friends that I could and would, eat something as "weird" as octopus. I know I made a big production out of it even if I can't actually remember the night.
Later, after consuming an extreme amount of alcohol, I thought about it and I'm pretty sure it all came back up. Not cool. Not good.
Moral of the story: Don't eat something "weird" and then think about it after you've had a lot of drinks.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Book Review: "Gone With The Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
I've always wanted to read this book, but it's always been pushed aside by some other book and thus, for years it remained on my TBR (To Be Read) list of books.
I downloaded it to my kindle in 2013. I just now, today 2/8/2015, finished it. I started it 1/25/2015. Damn life and work for getting in the way here!
Anyway, I have to say, I am sorry that I missed out on this book years ago. Never, in my life, has one book taken me to so many emotional levels. Sure there's romance. But there's history and well, life. As someone who has grown up in the South it was hard to take. The language really hurt me at times. Words were used that I dislike but I realize were normal for the times. And unfortunately some of these words are still used today.
Several years ago, I took a trip to Gettysburg, PA. I have to admit, it was quite possibly the most emotional trip I have ever taken. To actually stand where men died for what they believed in, whether you or I believed they were right in their beliefs, it was powerful. I think if I had been alone, I might have just sat and cried for hours.
Is GWTW a factual story? Who knows. But it does tell the tale from the Southern side of things I believe. With a romantic twist of course. Because who doesn't want that Southern Belle romantic stuff.
I loved Scarlett. She was a woman before her time. And you knew the minute Rhett appeared in her life that he loved her, regardless of his original words. I admired her for her tenacity, the way she fought. Sure, there were weak moments, what strong woman isn't weak at times? And why can't a strong woman be weak? Finally, what woman doesn't "fall" for the wrong guy?
I recommend reading this, if you haven't. It's not going to change your mind or opinion with regards to the Civil War but, it may make you think about why people felt the way the felt and did the things they did. I can sympathize, because I am like that. Right and wrong, your choice, not mine.
And as for the end, Scarlett gets her man in my opinion.
I downloaded it to my kindle in 2013. I just now, today 2/8/2015, finished it. I started it 1/25/2015. Damn life and work for getting in the way here!
Anyway, I have to say, I am sorry that I missed out on this book years ago. Never, in my life, has one book taken me to so many emotional levels. Sure there's romance. But there's history and well, life. As someone who has grown up in the South it was hard to take. The language really hurt me at times. Words were used that I dislike but I realize were normal for the times. And unfortunately some of these words are still used today.
Several years ago, I took a trip to Gettysburg, PA. I have to admit, it was quite possibly the most emotional trip I have ever taken. To actually stand where men died for what they believed in, whether you or I believed they were right in their beliefs, it was powerful. I think if I had been alone, I might have just sat and cried for hours.
Is GWTW a factual story? Who knows. But it does tell the tale from the Southern side of things I believe. With a romantic twist of course. Because who doesn't want that Southern Belle romantic stuff.
I loved Scarlett. She was a woman before her time. And you knew the minute Rhett appeared in her life that he loved her, regardless of his original words. I admired her for her tenacity, the way she fought. Sure, there were weak moments, what strong woman isn't weak at times? And why can't a strong woman be weak? Finally, what woman doesn't "fall" for the wrong guy?
I recommend reading this, if you haven't. It's not going to change your mind or opinion with regards to the Civil War but, it may make you think about why people felt the way the felt and did the things they did. I can sympathize, because I am like that. Right and wrong, your choice, not mine.
And as for the end, Scarlett gets her man in my opinion.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Snow Days!
Funnily enough, we've had quite a few of these in the past week. But the snow days of the 2000s bear no resemblance to those of my childhood. Today, we have this way of connecting everywhere so that a snow day is actually a work from home day for a lot of adults. No more playing with the kids, watching movies, making cookies or actually playing in the snow. Nope. Computers and tablets and smart phones keep us connected to our offices so that we can work.
I'm not saying it's a bad thing but today while walking my dogs, I noticed how few kids were outside playing in what was actual snow here in NC. In my younger days we would have been outside for a couple of hours, throwing snowballs, making snow angels and just hanging out in the snow. Later we would have gone to someone's house and warmed up with hot drinks and movies but for sure we would have been outside for most of the day on a day like today. I thought today's snow event was pretty. I actually wished I had someone to go out and play in the snow with.
Now, for those of us without children, working from home could be a cool idea. Stay at home and work with no makeup on, in your pjs or your sweatpants and sweatshirts. But I do have dogs. And when I am home on a computer all day long, not sitting with them, they don't understand. So my snow days involve working at home with barking dogs. And when they jump down from the couch that's my cue to stop whatever I am doing to take them outside to do their business. It's almost more stressful to be home than it is to be at work. LOL.
Eventually, they settled down and stayed quiet while I was on my conference call. I took the laptop to the couch so that I could sit between them and they curled up and slept. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
But still, I would have had more fun if it had been an actual snow day.
I'm not saying it's a bad thing but today while walking my dogs, I noticed how few kids were outside playing in what was actual snow here in NC. In my younger days we would have been outside for a couple of hours, throwing snowballs, making snow angels and just hanging out in the snow. Later we would have gone to someone's house and warmed up with hot drinks and movies but for sure we would have been outside for most of the day on a day like today. I thought today's snow event was pretty. I actually wished I had someone to go out and play in the snow with.
Now, for those of us without children, working from home could be a cool idea. Stay at home and work with no makeup on, in your pjs or your sweatpants and sweatshirts. But I do have dogs. And when I am home on a computer all day long, not sitting with them, they don't understand. So my snow days involve working at home with barking dogs. And when they jump down from the couch that's my cue to stop whatever I am doing to take them outside to do their business. It's almost more stressful to be home than it is to be at work. LOL.
Eventually, they settled down and stayed quiet while I was on my conference call. I took the laptop to the couch so that I could sit between them and they curled up and slept. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
But still, I would have had more fun if it had been an actual snow day.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Sleep Overs
When I was growing up, sleep overs were the thing! I am pretty sure that the first one I had was in second grade (and I have pictures). Now, they weren't always "happy." By the end of the evening someone always got mad because they thought they were "your" best friend but for the most part, I think mine went well.
Kids don't do that these days, do they? I know my niece doesn't. From 2nd grade to probably 6th grade, I had at least 3, all girls. Then, there was the "divorce" and from the 7th grade to 12th grade (cuz really, who remembers college sleepovers), there was a mix. It was never a "bad" mix, we just all ended up at someone's house watching Pink Floyd's "The Wall" or the most recent "Nightmare on Elm Street."
I get the feeling kids don't do that anymore and I don't know why. These nights were quite possibly some of my most favorite nights.
If you have kids, is this part of your life?
Inquiring minds want to know. And I have pics if you don't answer this question.
Kids don't do that these days, do they? I know my niece doesn't. From 2nd grade to probably 6th grade, I had at least 3, all girls. Then, there was the "divorce" and from the 7th grade to 12th grade (cuz really, who remembers college sleepovers), there was a mix. It was never a "bad" mix, we just all ended up at someone's house watching Pink Floyd's "The Wall" or the most recent "Nightmare on Elm Street."
I get the feeling kids don't do that anymore and I don't know why. These nights were quite possibly some of my most favorite nights.
If you have kids, is this part of your life?
Inquiring minds want to know. And I have pics if you don't answer this question.
February 17, 1972
On February 17, 1972, at 6:08pm (Pacific time and I'm looking at my original Birth Certificate so I know the actual date), I was born in California. I won't tell you where because I'm sure that's a security question somewhere out there on the internet. I was born to Brenda and H Stewart Tyler. My dad was from California, as was his family. He and my mom moved there and stayed there until I was 10 months old. I can honestly say, I do not recollect any of my time in California. But I guess, by birth, I am a California Girl.
So today, February 17, 2015, I have spent 43 years on this earth, in this world. I gotta admit, most of the February 17ths I've spent here have been, well, cold. And horrible. And icy. And that's because, since 1984, I've spent most of my February 17ths in North Carolina. Where they don't get snow, they get ice.
I guess I could be upset at my parents for deciding "May 1971" was a good time to conceive a child, me. Ok. Maybe I am upset at them. Surely, I would have been better off if they had decided to start in say, August or September?
Do you know, that in 1987 (my 15th birthday), a major ice storm happened in NC...it started on 2/16. I'm pretty sure school was closed for a week! And when we got back to school, no one remembered that Denise had a birthday. This was before people could be alerted on Facebook that you were having a birthday. Today, 2015, a lot of ice and I have received over 40 posts from my friends on Facebook wishing me a happy birthday (I am not one of those people who has an excessive amount of friends. I'm very selective ;) ). I know that in 1987 I was pissed as all get out because my birthday was forgotten. I'm really not sure what I feel today, in 2015. I think I'm pissed because I couldn't even go out to eat on my birthday. And no cake. Or even a cupcake.
On February 17, 1990, the Chippendales were in town. The plan was Kanki for dinner and then, off to see the Chippendales (google it). School was let out early because...snow. By the time I got home, (I lived in Rolesville and went to Cary Senior High), an inch of snow was already on the ground. By the time my mom left work, it was worse. Luckily?, she was able to pick up a Boston Creme Pie on the way home. Yes, that was my 18th Birthday "cake."
Then there were the 4 years I lived in Boone, NC for my birthday. I really don't want to even talk about those. Although, I'm pretty sure I did get to go "down the mountain" for my 21st birthday. I do distinctly remember one birthday where classes were cancelled because of the massive amount of snow.
I have to say, I really hate having my birthday in February.
So today, February 17, 2015, I have spent 43 years on this earth, in this world. I gotta admit, most of the February 17ths I've spent here have been, well, cold. And horrible. And icy. And that's because, since 1984, I've spent most of my February 17ths in North Carolina. Where they don't get snow, they get ice.
I guess I could be upset at my parents for deciding "May 1971" was a good time to conceive a child, me. Ok. Maybe I am upset at them. Surely, I would have been better off if they had decided to start in say, August or September?
Do you know, that in 1987 (my 15th birthday), a major ice storm happened in NC...it started on 2/16. I'm pretty sure school was closed for a week! And when we got back to school, no one remembered that Denise had a birthday. This was before people could be alerted on Facebook that you were having a birthday. Today, 2015, a lot of ice and I have received over 40 posts from my friends on Facebook wishing me a happy birthday (I am not one of those people who has an excessive amount of friends. I'm very selective ;) ). I know that in 1987 I was pissed as all get out because my birthday was forgotten. I'm really not sure what I feel today, in 2015. I think I'm pissed because I couldn't even go out to eat on my birthday. And no cake. Or even a cupcake.
On February 17, 1990, the Chippendales were in town. The plan was Kanki for dinner and then, off to see the Chippendales (google it). School was let out early because...snow. By the time I got home, (I lived in Rolesville and went to Cary Senior High), an inch of snow was already on the ground. By the time my mom left work, it was worse. Luckily?, she was able to pick up a Boston Creme Pie on the way home. Yes, that was my 18th Birthday "cake."
Then there were the 4 years I lived in Boone, NC for my birthday. I really don't want to even talk about those. Although, I'm pretty sure I did get to go "down the mountain" for my 21st birthday. I do distinctly remember one birthday where classes were cancelled because of the massive amount of snow.
I have to say, I really hate having my birthday in February.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Online Dating
So, I joined an online dating site. I'm not going to say which one and if you are my friend and you know, well, keep it secret ok?
Anyway, is it really this hard? Geez. I've been checking people out all night long, I've answered questions from the ones who've messaged me and I've spent countless hours trying to figure out what to really say about...Me.
Do I message back a guy who's a big hurricanes fan but wants someone to go snow skiing with? I mean, honestly, I refuse to snow ski. I do.
But I finally decided, I don't want to be alone. I want someone to come home to. To talk about my day with while cooking and sharing a bottle of wine. I want to argue about which movie to see or which restaurant to go to. I want to put my feet up on the couch, with my ipod and kindle while he watches UFC and doesn't expect me to watch with him (because I DON'T CARE!).
I did learn a new word tonight. I deleted him. If you really want to know, go here. It's not cool. I'm not going to discuss it. Seriously, this is NOT why I'm doing this.
So far, I have responded to 12 men. They are all different. From each other and from me. I really think that I have to get over this pickiness I have. I can't expect perfection when I am so far from it. But standards, I do have some.
Have a job that you love
Have hobbies that you can enjoy by yourself.
Be knowledgeable about the world we live in.
Don't like things because everyone else says they like them.
Understand that I love my dogs. And I love being a volunteer with rescue. It's not just going to stop.
I like being warm.
I'm not a huge fan of TV. If you like it, fine. I'll read while you watch (I've actually dated someone who got pissed about this. I was cool with him watching anything he wanted. He wasn't cool with me not paying attention to what he was watching).
Love food! Love wine! Love beer! Let's taste together.
But seriously, I've sat down and thought about it on my own, talked with friends, talked with my therapist and I don't want to do this alone anymore. I don't crave marriage and babies but the loneliness, it really sucks.
So this is my option at this point in my life.
Can I get more filters please?????
Anyway, is it really this hard? Geez. I've been checking people out all night long, I've answered questions from the ones who've messaged me and I've spent countless hours trying to figure out what to really say about...Me.
Do I message back a guy who's a big hurricanes fan but wants someone to go snow skiing with? I mean, honestly, I refuse to snow ski. I do.
But I finally decided, I don't want to be alone. I want someone to come home to. To talk about my day with while cooking and sharing a bottle of wine. I want to argue about which movie to see or which restaurant to go to. I want to put my feet up on the couch, with my ipod and kindle while he watches UFC and doesn't expect me to watch with him (because I DON'T CARE!).
I did learn a new word tonight. I deleted him. If you really want to know, go here. It's not cool. I'm not going to discuss it. Seriously, this is NOT why I'm doing this.
So far, I have responded to 12 men. They are all different. From each other and from me. I really think that I have to get over this pickiness I have. I can't expect perfection when I am so far from it. But standards, I do have some.
Have a job that you love
Have hobbies that you can enjoy by yourself.
Be knowledgeable about the world we live in.
Don't like things because everyone else says they like them.
Understand that I love my dogs. And I love being a volunteer with rescue. It's not just going to stop.
I like being warm.
I'm not a huge fan of TV. If you like it, fine. I'll read while you watch (I've actually dated someone who got pissed about this. I was cool with him watching anything he wanted. He wasn't cool with me not paying attention to what he was watching).
Love food! Love wine! Love beer! Let's taste together.
But seriously, I've sat down and thought about it on my own, talked with friends, talked with my therapist and I don't want to do this alone anymore. I don't crave marriage and babies but the loneliness, it really sucks.
So this is my option at this point in my life.
Can I get more filters please?????
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